§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many years have passed since the 25p supplement to the pensions for the over-80s was introduced; to what level the supplement would now have to be increased to take full account of inflation; and whether he plans to restore it to its full value.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe 25p age addition payable to retirement pensioners aged 80 and over was introduced in September 1971. On the basis of the movement in the general index of retail prices to June, the latest date for which a figure is available, the addition would need to be increased to 82p a week to restore the value it had originally. There are no plans to increase the addition.